Public asked to map out areas where they no longer feel safe

NEW HOME OFFICE TOOL AIMS TO PINPOINT PROBLEM AREAS

A NEW online tool that allows women and girls to anonymously flag areas of the country that they feel unsafe in has been launched in the UK.

The StreetSafe tool from the Home Office is part of a threemonth national pilot.

Leicestershire’s Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC), Rupert Matthews, welcomed the launch, saying he “wholeheartedly endorsed” the government’s strategy to tackle violence against women and girls.

An online map will allow users to pin-drop areas where they feel at increased risk of crime, regardless of whether an offence has actually taken place.

PCCs will be able to use the data to target resources to the right places and improve safety.

This could include implementing additional security measures such as night-time patrols and better street lighting.

Mr Matthews said: “No area of Leicestershire should be off-limits to the public – especially women and girls – because of the risk or perceived threat of crime.

“If we can take positive action to address vulnerabilities and reduce the opportunity for violence, then I am determined to make that happen. StreetSafe will arm decisionmakers with the information they need to make improvements in the right areas.”

The tool, supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, will be hosted on the national policing website.

Primarily aimed at women and girls, it will allow users to anonymously describe the factors that cause them concern, such as behavioural and environmental reasons.

Mr Matthews said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority and as part of that commitment I want to understand where problems exist and do everything possible to prevent them so people can walk our streets with confidence.”

While the tool has not been designed to report crime, the government and police are also urging more women and girls to come forward and report crimes such as sexual harassment through existing channels, such as calling police on 101.

The public is reminded to always dial 999 in an emergency.

Access the online map at: